The Lagos State Government has announced a ban on single-use plastics and Styrofoam packs, popularly called ‘takeaways’, with “immediate effect.”
This was made known by the state’s Commissioner, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a statement on Sunday.
The statement which was posted on X reads, “Most drainage channels in the state are daily clogged up by Styrofoam and other plastics through its indiscriminate distribution and usage despite the regular cleaning and evacuation of the drains with humongous amounts.
“The Commissioner added that the State Government cannot fold its hands and watch the continued desecration of its environment especially for a coastal city.”
The statement added that the Commissioner has directed the Lagos Waste Management Authority and the Kick Against Indiscipline to immediately commence the implementation of the ban.
It read, “He asked the two agencies to clamp down on all the production companies and distribution outlets for Styrofoam in the state to prevent further distribution.
“The Commissioner advised producers, distributors, and end-users of these styrofoam packs to take the ban seriously and find alternatives or risk heavy fines, and other penalties including sealing of their premises.”
Wahab advised consumers and residents to boycott styrofoam packs and single-use plastics and imbibe the practice of using reusable food containers and water bottles for their food and drinks.